Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation

"A different world could not be built by indifferent people. You all are building a different world because you are not indifferent." - Commissioner Bayens
Congratulations Captain Wade Major, Special Agent in Charge Andrew Giere, and Assistant Director Hunter Bellon on your well-deserved promotions.
We're also happy to honor Trooper Matthew Raes and Chris Van Gorp with Chief's Commendations for their outstanding work.

A woman from Northwest Illinois who fraudulently obtained around $100,000 in pandemic-era unemployment benefits, which she converted to cash at a Dubuque casino, was sentenced earlier this month to more than three years in federal prison. This woman is the fourth Illinoisan sentenced for making cash withdrawals at a Dubuque casino from stolen UI fraud money during the pandemic.
DCI's Special Enforcement Operation Bureau (SEOB) began this investigation in 2021. Through comprehensive casework, interviews, surveillance reviews, and examination of subpoenaed records, the four suspects were identified and subsequently charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Iowa. The total amount of fraudulent federal unemployment benefits obtained by the defendants was over $200,000.
Great work by all SEOB agents involved in collecting evidence so justice could be served.

Is the DCI Crime Scene truck a rolling tech truck?
Yes
Is the DCI Crime Lab a VERY cool place to work? Yes
Are science degrees required to be employed as a forensic scientist?
Yes
Thank you to Ms. Cain’s genetics class in Winterset Iowa for their interest in science. If YOU are interested in the Crime Scene Truck or forensic science, come see it at the West Des Moines Police Week Picinic. Link below for more information.
https://ow.ly/7UlN50YOaa9

Congratulations to Assistant Director (AD) Bret Braafhart on his retirement after 30 years of dedicated service in roles across the Department of Public Safety. AD Braafhart started with the Capitol Police in 1996; over his tenure, he served as a Gaming Enforcement Officer, Special Agent, SAC, and Assistant Director. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to public safety!

Ready to begin your own journey? Learn more about joining our team DPSCareers.com

Update: Endangered Person Alert Canceled. He has been located.

5-5-2026
Endangered Person Alert!
Issued on behalf of Wisconsin DCI. Jesus Almeyda Orbegozo has been missing from Darlington, WI since 5/4/2026. He is driving a 2007 black Honda Civic. Cameras last show him in the area of Altoona, IA around 9AM on 5/5/2026.
Age: 60
Hair: Black/Gray
Eyes: Brown
If you have information, please call 911.

Special Agent Brown, with DCI's Special Enforcement Operations Bureau, and ISP Trooper Griffin represented the Department of Public Safety during a career fair at United Township High School in East Moline, IL. It was a great opportunity to engage with students and educate them about career opportunities within the department.
For more information visit DPScareers.com.

Congratulations to K9 Welles for being inducted into the Iowa Veterinary Medical Association Animal Hall of Fame! Welles is an Electronic Storage Detection (ESD), K9 trained to find cell phones, hard drives, computers, flash drives, SD cards, cameras, and other electronic storage devices. He was honored for his professional work and dedication to combating child exploitation in Iowa.
Follow link to learn more about DCI's Cyber Crime Bureau. https://ow.ly/6sMu50YQCEi

As part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the Northern District of Iowa US Attorney's Office announced the recipients of awards for outstanding work in service to victims of crime.
Congratulations to DCI Special Agent (SA) Holly Witt for receiving the Law Enforcement Victim Services Award. This award is the highest federal honor for victim services presented to law enforcement in Iowa.
SA Witt received the award with Deputy Erin Bennett, Humboldt County Sheriff's Office and Sarah Harms, Iowa Attorney General's Office. All three are being recognized for their work leading to the successful arrest of two predatory criminals alleged to have sexually abused a vulnerable young girl over a period of time.
"Victims and their families don’t ask to be made part of our criminal-justice system, but the system can’t succeed without their help. Ensuring they are safe, respected, and understood throughout investigation and trial is crucial to making sure justice is done." - US Attorney Leif Olson.

Barbara Lenz of Woodbine, IA began a relationship with Robert Davis during the summer of 1987. Throughout their 2-year relationship, Davis severely abused Barbara and her 3-year-old daughter.
On May 6th, 1989, Barbara was with Davis at his residence in rural Harrison County. A domestic disturbance ensued. Robert Davis slashed Barbara's face with a boot spur, causing a severe injury. This incident was witnessed by a friend of Davis, who did not come forward until late 1990.
Barbara was reported missing by family on May 17th, 1989. The Woodbine Police Department began the investigation before requesting DCI for assistance. Special Agent (SA) Don Shreffler was assigned the case. SA Shreffler worked the case tirelessly, conducting over 60 interviews, but was left with no body, no physical evidence, and few witnesses who could provide clarity as to what happened to Barbara. Following a large-scale excavation that did not yield results, the case went "cold".
In February of 2020, SA Jared Kastner was assigned the case after a witness came forward who had recently ended a relationship with Davis. During a heated argument, he stated, "you better be careful or you'll end up like Barb." This information brought a renewed motivation to find justice for Barbara. SA Kastner found witnesses who would later testify to the present fear Barbara felt toward Davis in the days leading to her disappearance. A neighbor was also located who provided crucial information corroborating one of the strangling incidents at the hands of Davis.
The case was presented to the Attorney General's Office; it was decided it warranted a murder charge. Davis was arrested following a traffic stop on March 10th, 2025. During the traffic stop, Davis said, "I mean you got a body or something or what?".
Earlier this month a Pottawattamie County jury found Robert Davis guilty of Murder in the Second Degree. The charge stemmed from the death of his then girlfriend Barbara Lenz on May 6th, 1989. The jury deliberated four hours. Davis will be sentenced on May 22nd, 2026.
The Barbara Lenz missing person case spanned nearly 37 years. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, past and present, never gave up on the case knowing one day justice would be served.
Below is photo of Barbara's family with SA Kastner who were present to see justice served!